Hey there, dessert lovers! If you’ve been on the lookout for a unique and vibrant twist on a classic favorite, you’ve come to just the right place. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also brighten your kitchen with beautiful colors and flavors: Purple Yam Tiramisu. This stunning dessert combines the rich layers of traditional tiramisu with the delightful sweetness of ube, a Filipino purple yam that brings a delicious twist to this Italian classic. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to impress everyone who gets a taste. So, let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Why This Recipe Works
You might be wondering, what makes this Purple Yam Tiramisu so special? Well, let me tell you! First off, we’re taking the beloved flavors of classic tiramisu -coffee, cream, and airy ladyfingers- and infusing them with the sweetness and earthiness of ube. The ube halaya gives the dessert a unique flavor and steals the show with its gorgeous purple hue.
The best part? The layers of creamy mascarpone and whipped cream create a rich, decadent texture that’s heavenly with every bite. Plus, it’s a wonderfully fun way to introduce a little color and excitement onto your dessert table. When you make this dessert, you’re not just serving something sweet, you’re creating a feast for the eyes, too. It’s simple enough for a beginner, yet sophisticated enough to impress seasoned bakers. What’s not to love about that?
Step-by-Step: Making Purple Ube Tiramisu
Let’s get started with how to create this delightful dessert, shall we? It’s easier than it looks, and I promise you’ll feel like a dessert superstar once you’re done. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup espresso or strong coffee
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (8oz) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup ube halaya
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract (additional)
- 1 package Lady Fingers
- 1-2 tablespoon ube powder (for dusting)
Directions:
- Prepare the Coffee and Ube Mixture: Start by brewing your espresso or strong coffee and let it cool. In a bowl, mix the cooled coffee with ¼ teaspoon of ube extract. Set this aside.
- Make the Zabaglione: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and white sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step is super important for the creamy texture, so whisk away!
- Mix the Mascarpone Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and ube halaya. Stir until well blended. Then, fold in the heavy cream, making sure to be gentle so you maintain the airiness.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for just a second, don’t soak them, or they’ll get too soggy! Layer them on the bottom of your serving dish. Spread half of the ube mascarpone mixture over the ladyfingers, then repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.
- Chill and Serve: Cover your tiramisu with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait that long. When ready to serve, dust the top with ube powder for that final pop of color.

Best Ways to Serve Purple Yam Tiramisu
When the time comes to present your Purple Yam Tiramisu, think about how you want to wow your guests! You can serve it in individual glasses or jars for a charming touch, which adds a personal element to each serving. Alternatively, if you prefer a traditional style, simply slice it right from the dish into squares. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers that will contrast beautifully against the purple. Trust me; your guests will be taking pictures before they even take a bite!
How to Store Leftover Tiramisu
If by some miracle you have leftovers (which is rare, let me tell you!), storing your Purple Yam Tiramisu is a breeze. Just keep it covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because of the ingredients’ delicate nature, I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture may change once defrosted. Instead, enjoy those delicious layers within a few days for the best experience!
Pro Tips for Making Purple Yam Tiramisu
- Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality coffee and fresh mascarpone will elevate the flavor. You’ll really taste the difference!
- Don’t Over-Dip: When dipping the ladyfingers, make sure to dip them quickly, just a second or two. You want some of that coffee flavor without turning them mushy.
- Chill It Time: Patience is key! Allowing your tiramisu to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) lets all those flavors meld beautifully.
- Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to your mascarpone mixture for an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creative Twists on Purple Yam Tiramisu
While this Purple Yam Tiramisu is already stunning, you can always switch things up. Consider making a matcha layer for an Asian twist or swapping ube for another flavor like sweet potato if you’re looking for alternatives. You could also play with the toppings, coconut flakes or crushed nuts can add an exciting crunch to each slice.
FAQs
1. Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed espresso?
Yes, instant coffee is a great substitute! Just dissolve it in hot water to get a strong coffee flavor.
2. Is this dessert gluten-free?
Unfortunately, traditional ladyfingers contain gluten. You can find gluten-free ladyfingers in specialty stores or online, making this dessert accessible for everyone!
3. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, look for a dairy-free mascarpone alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
And there you have it! A beautiful and delicious Purple Yam Tiramisu that’s sure to impress. I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with warmth and joy, just as it did for me. Enjoy the magic of baking, and happy dessert making!
Print
Purple Yam Tiramisu
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant twist on classic tiramisu featuring the sweet and earthy flavors of purple yam (ube) layered with coffee and creamy mascarpone.
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup espresso or strong coffee
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (8oz) mascarpone cheese
- 1 cup ube halaya
- ¼ teaspoon ube extract (additional)
- 1 package Lady Fingers
- 1–2 tablespoon ube powder (for dusting)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coffee and Ube Mixture: Brew the espresso or strong coffee and let it cool. Mix the cooled coffee with ¼ teaspoon of ube extract and set aside.
- Make the Zabaglione: Whisk the egg yolks and white sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- Mix the Mascarpone Mixture: Combine mascarpone cheese and ube halaya, then fold in heavy cream gently.
- Assemble the Tiramisu: Dip each ladyfinger quickly into the coffee mixture and layer on the bottom of a dish. Spread half of the ube mascarpone mixture over them, then repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers and the remaining mascarpone.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Dust with ube powder before serving.
Notes
For a personal touch, serve in individual glasses or jars. Garnish with fresh berries or edible flowers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Filipino/Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
